Parts Used & Where Grown

Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for

Why

2 Stars

Insomnia

Refer to label instructions

Corydalis contains several ingredients, one of which has been shown to influence the nervous system, providing pain relief and promoting relaxation.

Corydalis contains several ingredients, one of which has been shown to influence the nervous system, providing pain relief and promoting relaxation. People with insomnia were able to fall sleep more easily after taking 100 to 200 mg per day of a corydalis extract (called dl-tetrahydropalmatine, or DHP), according to a preliminary report.3People taking the extract reported no drug hangover symptoms, such as dizziness or vertigo.

2 Stars

Pain

Take an amount supplying 75 mg per day of tetrahydropalmatine (THP)

Preliminary reports indicate that THP (an alkaloid from the plant corydalis) may be effective in reducing nerve pain.

Preliminary reports from Chinese researchers also note that 75 mg per day of THP (an alkaloid from the plant corydalis) was effective in reducing nerve pain in 78% of those tested.4

1 Star

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Refer to label instructions

An active constituent in corydalis, dl-tetrahydropalmatine, may have an anti-arrhythmic effect on the heart.

An active constituent in corydalis, dl-tetrahydropalmatine (dl-THP), may exert an anti-arrhythmic action on the heart. This action was observed in a preliminary trial with 33 patients suffering from a specific type of arrhythmia called supraventricular premature beat or SVPB.5 Each patient took 300 to 600 mg of dl-THP per day in tablet form, and the dl-THP was found to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing arrhythmia.

1 Star

Dysmenorrhea

Refer to label instructions

A constituent of corydalis called tetrahydropalmatine appears to heave pain-relieving and sedative effects. It has shown to be effective for painful menstruation.

Corydalis contains several alkaloids, and one called tetrahydropalmatine (THP) is considered to be the most potent. In laboratory research, THP has been shown to exhibit a wide number of pharmacological actions on the central nervous system, including pain-relieving and sedative effects.6 According to a secondary reference, painful menstruation responded favorably to the administration of THP.7 For a pain-relieving effect, the recommended amount for the crude dried rhizome is 5-10 grams per day. Alternatively, one can take 10-20 ml per day of a 1:2 extract.

1 Star

Peptic Ulcer

Refer to label instructions

Corydalis extracts are useful in relieving pain and in treating stomach ulcers.

Extracts of the herb corydalis are not only helpful as pain-relief agents but also may be useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers. In a study of people with stomach and intestinal ulcers or chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, 90 to 120 mg of corydalis extract per day (equal to 5 to 10 grams of the crude herb) was found to be effective in 76% of the participants.8

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, corydalis is said to invigorate the blood, move qi (energy that travels through the body), and alleviate pain, including menstrual, abdominal, and hernial.2

How It Works

Botanical names:

Corydalis turtschaninovii, Corydalis yanhusuo

How It Works

Scientists have isolated a number of alkaloids from the tuber of corydalis, including corydaline, tetrahydropalmatine (THP), dl-Tetrahydropalmatine (dl-THP), protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine, tetrahydrocolumbamine, and corybulbine.9 Of the full range of 20 alkaloids found in the plant, THP is considered to be the most potent. In laboratory research, it has been shown to exhibit a wide number of pharmacological actions on the central nervous system, including analgesic and sedative effects.10 dl-THP has been found to exhibit a tranquilizing action in mice. Scientists have suggested that dl-THP blocks certain receptor sites (e.g., dopamine) in the brain to cause sedation.11

In addition to its central nervous system effects, studies in the laboratory have shown the alkaloids from corydalis also have cardiovascular actions. For example, dl-THP has been shown to both decrease the stickiness of platelets and protect against stroke,12 as well as lower blood pressure and heart rate in animal studies.13 Additionally, it seems to exert an anti-arrhythmic action on the heart. This was found in a small double-blind clinical trial with patients suffering from a specific type of heart arrhythmia (e.g., supra-ventricular premature beat or SVPB).14 People taking 300-600 mg of dl-THP per day in tablet form, had a significantly greater improvement than those taking placebo pills.

Other human clinical trials on dl-THP have shown the ability to fall asleep was improved in people suffering from insomnia after taking 100-200 mg of dl-THP at bedtime. No drug hangover symptoms such as morning grogginess, dizziness or vertigo were reported by people taking the alkaloid extract.15

Reports from Chinese researchers also note that 75 mg of THP daily was effective in reducing nerve pain in 78% of the patients tested.16 Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), abdominal pain after childbirth, and headache have also been reported to be successfully treated with THP.17

Extracts of the herb may also be useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers. In a large sample of patients with stomach and intestinal ulcers or chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, a 90-120 mg extract of the herb per day (equal to 5-10 grams of the crude herb) was found to improve healing and symptoms in 76% of the patients.18

How to Use It

For an analgesic or sedative effect, the crude, dried rhizome is usually recommended at 5-10 grams per day.19 Alternatively, one can take 10-20 ml per day of a 1:2 extract.20

Interactions

Botanical names:

Corydalis turtschaninovii, Corydalis yanhusuo

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers' package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:

Corydalis turtschaninovii, Corydalis yanhusuo

Side Effects

Corydalis should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women.21 There have been several reports in Western journals of THP toxicity, including acute hepatitis.22, 23, 24 In addition, people taking corydalis can experience vertigo, fatigue, and nausea.25

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2016.

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